Mediation is an ADR technique for resolving all kinds of disputes, including EEO complaints alleging workplace discrimination. A trained, impartial third party, referred to as a mediator, serves to help the parties find a solution.

Unlike a judge or jury, however, a mediator does not impose a decision. The participants retain control over the process and resolution. Mediation also allows participants to save time, money, and emotional energy as compared to litigation. The mediation process emphasizes problem solving and encourages a forward-looking approach to resolving disputes.

Mediation provided by the ADR Office is voluntary, free, and confidential. Click here to view our brochure on the mediation process and our other services.

As part of its ongoing efforts to provide clarity on ADR processes and questions, the ADR Office provides consultations to individuals and groups. These consultations can span the spectrum of the ADR Office's know-how, including from answering questions about the fine points of mediation to referring individuals to other employee resource groups for the help they need.

To that end, referrals are an important service in the ADR Office's work. DOE has a wealth of employee resource offices that are well-equipped in providing services. In working toward achieving DOE's mission, we often receive referrals from these offices and refer individuals and groups to our sister resource offices. To learn more about each employee resource office, please visit DOECares here.

A facilitated discussion is like having a conversation about an issue with a colleague, supervisor, or employee. The only difference is that a neutral third party, known as a facilitator, helps the participants communicate clearly and respectfully while working toward building an effective working relationship.

Like mediation, a facilitated discussion is informal, voluntary, and provided at no cost to participants. Participants are expected to exercise professional discretion regarding the confidentiality of these discussions. For more information, review our fact sheet on facilitated discussions by clicking here.

The ADR Office delivers customized effective communication and conflict management trainings to groups consisting of employees, supervisors, and executives across the DOE complex. To receive the most up-to-date version of our training catalog and to learn how the ADR office can adapt its trainings to your specific needs, contact us. The ADR Office has developed a catalog of effective communication and conflict management trainings as part of its endeavors to address conflict at the earliest available opportunity. The ADR Office's trainings raise awareness about how individuals experience conflict differently and offer tools to proactively reconcile those differences. These training sessions last between one to four hours and are provided virtually and in person at sites across the DOE complex. Each session is customized to the needs of the particular group receiving the training.

Click here to learn more about our offerings and sign up for open enrollments.